Canon ZR65 MC

Review Date
January 26, 2004

Overall Rating
 3 of 5

Value Rating
 3 of 5

Used product for
0-1 years

Visitors rate this review
5.00 of 5, 1 votes

Reviewed by
Coach , Intermediate

Price Paid
$499.00 at Best Buy

Summary
I use the camera at the ice rink. I find if you are within 8 to 10 feet of the object you would like to record, the camera is fine. Outside of 8-10 feet, the quality of the picture is bad. Loss of color and grainy. I too will try to return my recorder after 4 days of use.

Strengths
Good for close video.

Weaknesses
Need firewire to download to computer. Picture quality loss outside of 10'

Customer Service
n/a

Review Date
December 29, 2003

Overall Rating
 4 of 5

Value Rating
 4 of 5

Used product for
0-1 years

Visitors rate this review
5.00 of 5, 2 votes

Reviewed by
Bob Schneider , Professional

Price Paid
$499.00 at Best Buy

Summary
After receiving the ZR-65MC, I read reviews and wondered if my wife made a good decision. The low level light problem might be at ultra low levels, but personally with normal indoor lighting I was able to get great color. As a Broadcast Engineer I didn't expect the professional quality, but I was pleasantly surprised at the video I was able to shoot.
This Camcorder is easy for the novice as well as having the options a more experienced videophile would desire.

Strengths
A simple camera to operate and video software was a snap to install and use on a Windows OS. Video editing with effects makes the camera even more of a value and allows professional productions at the cost of the camera.
I would never order anything but Canon glass for the TV station and the glass on the ZR-65MC is super. The whole camcorder is top quality.

Weaknesses
Need to buy or supply a larger battery for normal operation. Still picture quality is adequate but then this is really meant to be used as a camcorder. This feature is nice to have and really helps in search process.

Similar Products Used
Professional Panasonic 610 cameras.

Customer Service
Haven't had to use it, but expect it to be up to Canon standards, which in broadcast have always been great.

Review Date
December 16, 2003

Overall Rating
 1 of 5

Value Rating
 1 of 5

Used product for
0-1 years

Visitors rate this review
5.00 of 5, 1 votes

Reviewed by
Street_Style , Intermediate

Price Paid
$460.00 at H.S.N.

Summary
The reason I purchased this Canon ZR65 was because of the companys reputation.

Unfortunately this model lacks the ability to produce quality video and digital pics in low lighting conditions.

I have taken my time and manually adjusted the camera to try and compensate for the poor video and pic quality taken in low light conditions.

Strengths
Many fetures for the price range, ease of use.

Weaknesses
Pics and video are of extremley poor quality in low light conditions.

Similar Products Used
Sony,Canon,Panasonic,JVC,Sharp,Kodak.

Customer Service
I can not comment on customer service because I returned the camera.

Review Date
November 1, 2003

Overall Rating
 4 of 5

Value Rating
 4 of 5

Used product for
0-1 years

Visitors rate this review
4.50 of 5, 2 votes

Reviewed by
Jennifer , Beginner

Price Paid
$480.00 at Dell

Summary
Good camera. Don't let all of the negative reviews fool! Trust me, I bought the canon zr65, and then bought a Sony, after reading all the negatives about the Canon. Unless I don't know how to use my Sony yet, I have to say I am happier w/ the Canon. The picture has great colors, and I actually had better picture quality from the Canon vs. the Sony using it indoors. I bought a camcorder for indoor use. So don't be fooled.. this camera is great. I do have to say the still shots are not that good however!

Strengths
Picture quailty, easy to use.

Weaknesses
Battery life with orginal battery!

Similar Products Used
Sony TV22

Customer Service
IS EXCELLENT.. I called Canon several times with questions.. and EACH person I talk to was excellent! I would buy another product from Canon due to great customer service! (not to be critical of other companies.. I had far better customer service then Dell ~who I bought my PC from. I love my Dell computer, but they need to hire better people to represent the company, or they might lose a lot of customers)

Review Date
September 6, 2003

Overall Rating
 4 of 5

Value Rating
 4 of 5

Used product for
0-1 years

Visitors rate this review
5.00 of 5, 3 votes

Reviewed by
angelo68 , Casual , from Smyrna, DE. USA

Price Paid
$569.00 at BestBuy

Summary
Bought the camera the same day we left for vacation to Florida. The first time I used it was after we arrived at our hotel. I didn't have to read anything. Setup was a snap and I was already making movies at Disney, downloading into my laptop the same night. XP made things simple. I didn't need any other software just a firewire cable. I did get the $120.00 accessory bag with extended battery, wide angle lens. I also bought a UV filter. What else can I say. Great camera.

Strengths
Ease of use. No surprises just great video.

Weaknesses
I wish the firewire came with it. That cost another $30.00. Digital pictures suck, not worth having that feature. They could leave that out and give the firewire or better battery instead.

Similar Products Used
Sony 8mm, Olympus digital camera.

Customer Service
I haven't needed it yet, and I hope I won't.